Among the 500 respondents to our InformationWeek 2013 Executive Survey, 49% say adding efficiency is among their top three technology goals this year. Right behind efficiency is the goal of introducing an IT-led product for customers, at 44%. Other data points:

>> 66% currently use public social networks for customer interaction.>> 50% cite deploying business intelligence or data analytics tools more broadly as among the top three most effective technology steps taken in the past year to improve employee productivity.>> 47% give employees access to corporate data and apps beyond email via personal devices on a widespread basis.>> 33% say their next fiscal year IT budgets will increase by at least 5%.

In this report, we:>> Examine the business and technology trends driving our 500 business IT innovators.>> Discuss some surprising findings around cloud, data analytics and mobile. >> Provide insight into budget trends across 23 industries, from automotive to ­telecommunications.

Respondent breakdown: Companies must have $250 million in revenue to apply for the IW 500; 54% are from publically held companies, and information technology, healthcare and medical, and consulting and business services are well-represented. (R7200913)

Survey Name 2013 InformationWeek500 Executive SurveySurvey Date June 2013Region North AmericaNumber of Respondents 500Methodology The InformationWeek 500 is open to companies with revenue of $250 million or more (or subsidiaries of parents with $250 million or more in revenue). This year, we made a few exceptions to allow companies just below that revenue that are highly IT-intensive.

To be considered for the InformationWeek 500, qualifying companies must complete a rigorous application on their business technology strategies. The process is both quantitative and qualitative, whereby applicants earn points based on their responses to a questionnaire, and are also evaluated based on the achievements they outline in an essay submission. Completed applications are reviewed by a panel of InformationWeek editors who determine the final ranking by factoring in both the quantitative results and qualitative judgments.

The data is aggregated across all InformationWeek 500 companies and by industry; individual responses are kept confidential and individual company data is never disclosed without permission.